Letters: Workplace safety still an issue today

Forty years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, promising workers the right to a safety at their jobs. Unions and their allies fought to win protections that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented workplace injuries and illnesses.

But many job hazards still remain unregulated and uncontrolled. Some employers will cut corners and violate the law. Workers who report hazardous conditions or injuries are often disciplined or even fired. As a result, many Americans are denied their right to a safe workplace.

On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO will observe Worker's Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered or tragically died on the job.

The Obama administration has moved forward to strengthen protections with tougher enforcement and a focus on worker's rights. But much needed safeguards on silica and other industrial hazards have stalled in the face of fierce attacks by business groups and other anti-union forces who want to stop new protections.

No one goes to work with the expectation of being injured. OSHA regulations help give workers a piece of mind that their well-being is important and vital to our nation. We have come too far to let these measures get lax or be ignored. We must continue to press forward for worker safety.

Mark Westphal,

Fox Valley Area Labor Council president,

Menasha

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Letters: Workplace safety still an issue today

Forty years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, promising workers the right to a safety at their jobs.

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